Prescription drug addiction is one of the biggest problems in the United States when it comes to epidemics. In late 2017, the Surgeon General made a statement saying that addiction is a bigger problem than cancer. When looking at the statistics, more people are dying from prescription drug overdoses than any other drug. You may be staying in the cycle of your addiction due to some of the harsh prescription drug side effects.
Prescription Drug Side Effects and Addiction
Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Houston, Texas, specializes in helping people overcome the symptoms of withdrawal. The symptoms of withdrawal are one of the leading reasons why people stay stuck in the cycle of addiction. Long-term abuse of different prescription drugs can lead to a psychological as well as physical dependence. Without the proper substance abuse detox or treatment, you may think that staying in your addiction is the only way to live.
The reality is that medical advancements in addiction have come a long way, and we use this to help you through withdrawal. Each of the different types of prescribed medications has different prescription drug side effects, and we understand this. There are three different types of medications people typically become addicted to, and they include:
- Pain medications
- Medications for depression or anxiety
- Medications for ADHD
Opioid Drug Side Effects
The primary epidemic in our country today is the one that involves opioids, which are commonly prescribed pain medications. These medications are meant to help block different pain receptors to help people with severe pain. The issue with these medications is that they also release extra dopamine into the system, which the brain becomes addicted to. These medications are also one of the primary gateway drugs towards heroin and Fentanyl use.
The withdrawal symptoms from opioid addiction can be harsh as well as dangerous, and you may only be using to not experience withdrawal. If your prescription drug abuse involves opioids, you already know that the side effects can include nausea, flu-like symptoms, and pain. The other side effects can be psychological as well, and give you anxiety symptoms. This is because the brain wants you to keep using the opioids because it’s used to the overflow of dopamine it’s been fed.
Benzodiazepine Prescription Drug Side Effects
Benzodiazepines are prescription medications for people who struggle with anxiety, and they include Xanax and Valium. These medications act by calming down the amygdala in the brain, which is where anxiety forms. Like opioids, these can also provide euphoric feelings. There are many dangerous drug side effects. Not only are there physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal, but you’re also at risk of seizures.
Prescription Drug Side Effects of ADHD Medications
Stimulant medications fall into the category of amphetamines. They are commonly prescribed for those diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. These medications can be abused by people who want to stay up later to study, or if they want to drink more alcohol. These stimulants act like cocaine, in that many people will abuse these medications as a way of drinking more without getting drunk. The symptoms of withdrawal from these medications are purely psychological and include anxiety, depression, irritability, and insomnia.
Overcoming the Symptoms of Withdrawal
Here at Serenity House Detox & Recovery, you’re in great hands when you decide to get help and are ready for help with your detox symptoms. The first thing we do is put you through an evaluation to determine which detox programs suit you and your particular addiction best. While you’re in our care, there will be medical staff to help you at all times and ensure that you’re both comfortable and safe. This is important because your heart is under a lot of extra stress during the detox process.
We help by providing you with different medications for various withdrawal symptoms you may experience, including blood pressure and heart rate. If you’re coming in for an addiction to benzodiazepines, you may be given medications to help prevent seizures. Those coming in with an addiction to prescription opioids will receive medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms. The medications act by making the brain believe that you’re still using opioids, and then the medication is tapered off.
Prescription drug abuse and their side effects can be deadly. Do not become a statistic of the prescription drug epidemic. Find out how Serenity House Detox & Recovery can help you or a loved one. Call 866.516.8356 right now.
